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The Indian Premier League (IPL) is on a trajectory to surpass global sporting leagues like the NBA and the English Premier League (EPL) in terms of popularity and commercial value. According to IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, the league’s increasing viewership and global appeal indicate that it is well on its way to becoming the world’s leading sporting event.
Bigger Window, More Games – A Step Towards Expansion
Dhumal emphasized that expanding the IPL window will be essential to achieve this goal. However, the current international cricket calendar, which includes bilateral series and ICC events, makes it difficult to extend the tournament's duration until at least the end of the 2031 cycle.
“When a bigger window is available, we would want to increase the number of games and the duration of the tournament,” said Dhumal, who also serves on the chief executives committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Players' Reluctance to Miss IPL
Dhumal highlighted that IPL remains the most sought-after tournament for cricketers worldwide. “If you ask from the players’ perspective, this is the one tournament no player in the world would want to miss out on. In that sense, in case there is a bigger window and more games, it works well for everyone,” he added.
Enhancing Fan Experience: The Key to Sustained Growth
While discussing IPL's future, Dhumal stressed the importance of innovation to maintain the league’s supremacy. He reiterated that improving the fan experience remains at the core of IPL’s growth strategy.
“The fan is at the heart of any sport… Our goal is to solidify IPL’s position as the world’s premier sporting league,” Dhumal asserted.
Surging Global Viewership
The IPL’s rising global popularity is reflected in record-breaking viewership figures not just in India but across key international markets, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Malaysia, and the Middle East.
Setting the Benchmark for Global Leagues
Dhumal acknowledged that club cricket is witnessing a shift, with numerous leagues emerging worldwide, following the footsteps of the IPL. “So, in that sense, IPL has to be the leader for all other leagues to follow,” he concluded.
As the IPL continues to set new benchmarks in the cricketing world, its ambition to rival and eventually surpass global sports giants like the NBA and the Premier League seems more attainable than ever.
